Atomic layer deposition systems and methods including metal beta-diketiminate compounds

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides atomic layer deposition systems and methods that include metal compounds with at least one β-diketiminate ligand. Such systems and methods can be useful for depositing metal-containing layers on substrates.

BACKGROUND

The scaling down of integrated circuit devices has created a need to incorporate high dielectric constant materials into capacitors and gates. The search for new high dielectric constant materials and processes is becoming more important as the minimum size for current technology is practically constrained by the use of standard dielectric materials. Dielectric materials containing alkaline earth metals can provide a significant advantage in capacitance compared to conventional dielectric materials. For example, the perovskite material SrTiO₃ has a reported bulk dielectric constant of up to 500.

Unfortunately, the successful integration of alkaline earth metals into vapor deposition processes has proven to be difficult. For example, although atomic layer deposition (ALD) of alkaline earth metal diketonates has been reported, these metal diketonates have low volatility, which typically requires that they be dissolved in organic solvent for use in a liquid injection system. In addition to low volatility, these metal diketonates generally have poor reactivity, often requiring high substrate temperatures and strong oxidizers to grow a film, which is often contaminated with carbon. Other alkaline earth metal sources, such as those including substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl ligands, typically have poor volatility as well as low thermal stability, leading to undesirable pyrolysis on the substrate surface.

New sources and methods of incorporating high dielectric materials are being sought for new generations of integrated circuit devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides vapor deposition methods and systems that include at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein M is selected from the group consisting of a Group 2 metal, a Group 3 metal, a Lanthanide, and combinations thereof; each L is independently an anionic ligand; each Y is independently a neutral ligand; each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group; n represents the valence state of the metal; z is from 0 to 10; and x is from 1 to n.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a metal-containing layer on a substrate. The method includes: providing a substrate; providing a vapor including at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein M, L, Y, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, n, x, and z are as described herein above; providing at least one reaction gas; and contacting the vapor including the at least one compound of Formula I with the substrate to form a metal-containing layer on at least one surface of the substrate using an atomic layer deposition process including a plurality of deposition cycles. Optionally, the method further includes providing a vapor including at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I (e.g., Ti, Ta, Bi, Hf, Zr, Pb, Nb, Mg, and/or Al-containing compounds), and contacting the vapor including the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I with the substrate.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure. The method includes: providing a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly; providing a vapor including at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein M, L, Y, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, n, x, and z are as described herein above; providing a vapor including at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I; and directing the vapor including the at least one compound of Formula I and the vapor including the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly to form a metal-containing layer on at least one surface of the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly using an atomic layer deposition process including a plurality of deposition cycles. In some embodiments, during the atomic layer deposition process, the metal-containing layer is formed by alternately introducing the vapor including the at least one compound of Formula I and the vapor including the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I during each deposition cycle.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure. The method includes: providing a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly within an atomic layer deposition chamber; providing a vapor including at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein M, L, Y, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, n, x, and z are as described herein above; providing a vapor including at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I; directing the vapor including the at least one compound of Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly and allowing the at least one compound to chemisorb to at least one surface of the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly; and directing the vapor including the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly and allowing the at least one compound different than Formula I to chemisorb to at least one surface of the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly to form a metal-containing layer on at least one surface of the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly. In certain embodiments, directing the vapor including the at least one compound of Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly, and directing the vapor including the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly, are repeated at least once.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a memory device structure. The method includes: providing a substrate having a first electrode thereon; providing a vapor including at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein M, L, Y, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, n, x, and z are as described herein above; contacting the vapor including the at least one compound of Formula I with the substrate to chemisorb the compound on the first electrode of the substrate; providing at least one reaction gas; contacting the at least one reaction gas with the substrate having the chemisorbed compound thereon to form a dielectric layer on the first electrode of the substrate; and forming a second electrode on the dielectric layer.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an atomic layer vapor deposition system including: a deposition chamber having a substrate positioned therein; and at least one vessel including at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein M, L, Y, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, n, x, and z are as described herein above.

The metal-containing compounds that include β-diketiminate ligands can advantageously be used in atomic layer deposition methods to deposit, for example, high dielectric films. In addition, ceramic coatings can be deposited for use in ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and/or heat resistive coating applications.

Definitions

As used herein, formulas of the type:

are used to represent pentadienyl-group type ligands (e.g., β-diketiminate ligands) having delocalized electron density that are coordinated to a metal. The ligands may be coordinated to the metal through one, two, three, four, and/or five atoms (i.e., η¹-, η²-, η³-, η⁴-, and/or η⁵-coordination modes).

As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably and mean one or more than one.

The terms “deposition process” and “vapor deposition process” as used herein refer to a process in which a metal-containing layer is formed on one or more surfaces of a substrate (e.g., a doped polysilicon wafer) from vaporized precursor composition(s) including one or more metal-containing compounds(s). Specifically, one or more metal-containing compounds are vaporized and directed to and/or contacted with one or more surfaces of a substrate (e.g., semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly) placed in a deposition chamber. Typically, the substrate is heated. These metal-containing compounds form (e.g., by reacting or decomposing) a non-volatile, thin, uniform, metal-containing layer on the surface(s) of the substrate. For the purposes of this invention, the term “vapor deposition process” is meant to include both chemical vapor deposition processes (including pulsed chemical vapor deposition processes) and atomic layer deposition processes.

The term “atomic layer deposition” (ALD) as used herein refers to a vapor deposition process in which deposition cycles, preferably a plurality of consecutive deposition cycles, are conducted in a process chamber (i.e., a deposition chamber). Typically, during each cycle the precursor is chemisorbed to a deposition surface (e.g., a substrate assembly surface or a previously deposited underlying surface such as material from a previous ALD cycle), forming a monolayer or sub-monolayer that does not readily react with additional precursor (i.e., a self-limiting reaction). Thereafter, if necessary, a reactant (e.g., another precursor or reaction gas) may subsequently be introduced into the process chamber for use in converting the chemisorbed precursor to the desired material on the deposition surface. Typically, this reactant is capable of further reaction with the precursor. Further, purging steps may also be utilized during each cycle to remove excess precursor from the process chamber and/or remove excess reactant and/or reaction byproducts from the process chamber after conversion of the chemisorbed precursor. Further, the term “atomic layer deposition,” as used herein, is also meant to include processes designated by related terms such as, “chemical vapor atomic layer deposition”, “atomic layer epitaxy” (ALE) (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,244 to Ackerman), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), gas source MBE, or organometallic MBE, and chemical beam epitaxy when performed with alternating pulses of precursor composition(s), reactive gas, and purge (e.g., inert carrier) gas.

As compared to the one cycle chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, the longer duration multi-cycle ALD process allows for improved control of layer thickness and composition by self-limiting layer growth, and minimizing detrimental gas phase reactions by separation of the reaction components. The self-limiting nature of ALD provides a method of depositing a film on any suitable reactive surface, including surfaces with irregular topographies, with better step coverage than is available with CVD or other “line of sight” deposition methods such as evaporation or physical vapor deposition (PVD or sputtering).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vapor deposition system suitable for use in methods of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary capacitor construction formed using systems and methods of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides methods and systems for forming a metal-containing layer on a substrate using atomic layer deposition. The methods include providing a vapor of at least one metal-containing compound that includes at least one β-diketiminate ligand. In some embodiments, the metal compounds are homoleptic complexes (i.e., complexes in which the metal is bound to only one type of ligand) that include β-diketiminate ligands, which can be symmetric or unsymmetric. In other embodiments, the metal compounds are heteroleptic complexes (i.e., complexes in which the metal is bound to more than one type of ligand) including at least one β-diketiminate ligand, which can be symmetric or unsymmetric. In some embodiments, the β-diketiminate ligand can be in the η⁵-coordination mode.

Suitable metal-containing compounds that include one or more β-diketiminate ligands include compounds of the formula (Formula I):

M is a Group 2 metal (e.g., Ca, Sr, Ba), a Group 3 metal (e.g., Sc, Y, La), a Lanthanide (e.g., Pr, Nd), or a combination thereof. Preferably M is Ca, Sr, or Ba. Each L is independently an anionic ligand; each Y is independently a neutral ligand; n represents the valence state of the metal; z is from 0 to 10; and x is from 1 to n.

Each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group (e.g., an alkyl group, and preferably, for example, an alkyl moiety). In certain embodiments, each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group having 1-10 carbon atoms (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl). Such compounds include, for example, those described in El-Kaderi et al., Organometallics, 23:4995-5002 (2004), and copending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/169,082 (entitled “UNSYMMETRICAL LIGAND SOURCES, REDUCED SYMMETRY METAL COMPOUNDS, AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCLUDING SAME,”), filed on the same day herewith.

In certain embodiments, the β-diketiminate ligand shown in Formula I is symmetric (i.e., R¹═R⁵, and R²═R⁴). In some embodiments, R²═R⁴=methyl. In some embodiments, R³═H. In some embodiments, R¹═R⁵=isopropyl. In some embodiments, R¹═R⁵=tert-butyl. Such exemplary compounds of Formula I include a compound in which R²═R⁴=methyl, R³═H, and R¹═R⁵=isopropyl; and a compound in which R²═R⁴=methyl, R³═H, and R¹═R⁵=tert-butyl.

In other certain embodiments, the β-diketiminate ligand shown in Formula I is unsymmetric (i.e., one or more of the following apply: R¹ is different than R⁵, or R² is different than R⁴). In some embodiments, R²═R⁴=methyl. In some embodiments, R³═H. In some embodiments, R¹=isopropyl and R⁵=tert-butyl. Such exemplary compounds of Formula I are compounds in which R²═R⁴=methyl, R³═H, R¹=isopropyl, and R⁵=tert-butyl.

L optionally represents any suitable anionic ligand. Exemplary anionic ligands (L) include halides, alkoxide groups, amide groups, mercaptide groups, cyanide, alkyl groups, amidinate groups, guanidinate groups, isoureate groups, β-diketonate groups, β-iminoketonate groups, β-diketiminate groups, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, L is a β-diketiminate group having a structure that is the same as that of the β-diketiminate ligand shown in Formula I. In other certain embodiments, L is a β-diketiminate group (e.g., symmetric or unsymmetric) having a structure that is different than that of the β-diketiminate ligand shown in Formula I.

Y represents an optional neutral ligand. Exemplary neutral ligands (Y) include carbonyl (CO), nitrosyl (NO), ammonia (NH₃), amines (NR₃), nitrogen (N₂), phosphines (PR₃), alcohols (ROH), water (H₂O), tetrahydrofuran, and combinations thereof, wherein each R independently represents hydrogen or an organic group. The number of optional neutral ligands (Y) is represented by z, which is from 0 to 10, and preferably from 0 to 3. More preferably, Y is not present (i.e., z=0).

As used herein, the term “organic group” is used for the purpose of this invention to mean a hydrocarbon group that is classified as an aliphatic group, cyclic group, or combination of aliphatic and cyclic groups (e.g., alkaryl and aralkyl groups). In the context of the present invention, suitable organic groups for metal-containing compounds of this invention are those that do not interfere with the formation of a metal oxide layer using vapor deposition techniques. In the context of the present invention, the term “aliphatic group” means a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched hydrocarbon group. This term is used to encompass alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groups, for example. The term “alkyl group” means a saturated linear or branched monovalent hydrocarbon group including, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, amyl, heptyl, and the like. The term “alkenyl group” means an unsaturated, linear or branched monovalent hydrocarbon group with one or more olefinically unsaturated groups (i.e., carbon-carbon double bonds), such as a vinyl group. The term “alkynyl group” means an unsaturated, linear or branched monovalent hydrocarbon group with one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds. The term “cyclic group” means a closed ring hydrocarbon group that is classified as an alicyclic group, aromatic group, or heterocyclic group. The term “alicyclic group” means a cyclic hydrocarbon group having properties resembling those of aliphatic groups. The term “aromatic group” or “aryl group” means a mono- or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon group. The term “heterocyclic group” means a closed ring hydrocarbon in which one or more of the atoms in the ring is an element other than carbon (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, etc.).

As a means of simplifying the discussion and the recitation of certain terminology used throughout this application, the terms “group” and “moiety” are used to differentiate between chemical species that allow for substitution or that may be substituted and those that do not so allow for substitution or may not be so substituted. Thus, when the term “group” is used to describe a chemical substituent, the described chemical material includes the unsubstituted group and that group with nonperoxidic O, N, S, Si, or F atoms, for example, in the chain as well as carbonyl groups or other conventional substituents. Where the term “moiety” is used to describe a chemical compound or substituent, only an unsubstituted chemical material is intended to be included. For example, the phrase “alkyl group” is intended to include not only pure open chain saturated hydrocarbon alkyl substituents, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, t-butyl, and the like, but also alkyl substituents bearing further substituents known in the art, such as hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylsulfonyl, halogen atoms, cyano, nitro, amino, carboxyl, etc. Thus, “alkyl group” includes ether groups, haloalkyls, nitroalkyls, carboxyalkyls, hydroxyalkyls, sulfoalkyls, etc. On the other hand, the phrase “alkyl moiety” is limited to the inclusion of only pure open chain saturated hydrocarbon alkyl substituents, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, t-butyl, and the like.

Precursor compositions that include a metal-containing compound with at least one β-diketiminate ligand can be useful for depositing metal-containing layers using atomic layer deposition. In addition, such atomic layer deposition methods can also include precursor compositions that include one or more different metal-containing compounds. Such precursor compositions can be deposited/chemisorbed, for example in an ALD process discussed more fully below, substantially simultaneously with or sequentially to, the precursor compositions including metal-containing compounds with at least one β-diketiminate ligand. The metals of such different metal-containing compounds can include, for example, Ti, Ta, Bi, Hf, Zr, Pb, Nb, Mg, Al, and combinations thereof. Suitable different metal-containing compounds include, for example, tetrakis titanium isopropoxide, titanium tetrachloride, trichlorotitanium dialkylamides, tetrakis titanium dialkylamides, tetrakis hafnium dialkylamides, trimethyl aluminum, zirconium (IV) chloride, pentakis tantalum ethoxide, and combinations thereof.

The metal-containing layer can be deposited, for example, on a substrate (e.g., a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly). The terms “substrate,” “semiconductor substrate,” or “substrate assembly” as used herein refer to either a substrate or a semiconductor substrate, such as a base semiconductor layer or a semiconductor substrate having one or more layers, structures, or regions formed thereon. A base semiconductor layer is typically the lowest layer of silicon material on a wafer or a silicon layer deposited on another material, such as silicon on sapphire. When reference is made to a substrate assembly, various process steps may have been previously used to form or define regions, junctions, various structures or features, and openings such as transistors, active areas, diffusions, implanted regions, vias, contact openings, high aspect ratio openings, capacitor plates, barriers for capacitors, etc.

“Layer,” as used herein, refers to any layer that can be formed on a substrate from one or more precursors and/or reactants according to the deposition process described herein. The term “layer” is meant to include layers specific to the semiconductor industry, such as, but clearly not limited to, a barrier layer, dielectric layer (i.e., a layer having a high dielectric constant), and conductive layer. The term “layer” is synonymous with the term “film” frequently used in the semiconductor industry. The term “layer” is also meant to include layers found in technology outside of semiconductor technology, such as coatings on glass. For example, such layers can be formed directly on fibers, wires, etc., which are substrates other than semiconductor substrates. Further, the layers can be formed directly on the lowest semiconductor surface of the substrate, or they can be formed on any of a variety of layers (e.g., surfaces) as in, for example, a patterned wafer.

The layers or films formed may be in the form of metal-containing films, such as reduced metals, metal silicates, metal oxides, metal nitrides, etc, as well as combinations thereof. For example, a metal oxide layer may include a single metal, the metal oxide layer may include two or more different metals (i.e., it is a mixed metal oxide), or a metal oxide layer may optionally be doped with other metals.

If the metal oxide layer includes two or more different metals, the metal oxide layer can be in the form of alloys, solid solutions, or nanolaminates. Preferably, these have dielectric properties. The metal oxide layer (particularly if it is a dielectric layer) preferably includes one or more of BaTiO₃, SrTiO₃, CaTiO₃, (Ba,Sr)TiO₃, SrTa₂O₆, SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ (SBT), SrHfO₃, SrZrO₃, BaHfO₃, BaZrO₃, (Pb,Ba)Nb₂O₆, (Sr,Ba)Nb₂O₆, Pb[(Sc,Nb)_(0.575)Ti_(0.425)]O₃ (PSNT), La₂O₃, Y₂O₃, LaAlO₃, YAlO₃, Pr₂O₃, Ba(Li,Nb)_(1/4)O₃—PbTiO₃, and Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)TiO₃—MgO. Surprisingly, the metal oxide layer formed according to the present invention is essentially free of carbon. Preferably metal-oxide layers formed by the systems and methods of the present invention are essentially free of carbon, hydrogen, halides, phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen or compounds thereof. As used herein, “essentially free” is defined to mean that the metal-containing layer may include a small amount of the above impurities. For example, for metal-oxide layers, “essentially free” means that the above impurities are present in an amount of less than 1 atomic percent, such that they have a minor effect on the chemical properties, mechanical properties, physical form (e.g., crystallinity), or electrical properties of the film.

Various metal-containing compounds can be used in various combinations, optionally with one or more organic solvents (particularly for CVD processes), to form a precursor composition. Advantageously, some of the metal compounds disclosed herein can be used in ALD without adding solvents. “Precursor” and “precursor composition” as used herein, refer to a composition usable for forming, either alone or with other precursor compositions (or reactants), a layer on a substrate assembly in a deposition process. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that the type and amount of precursor used will depend on the content of a layer which is ultimately to be formed using a vapor deposition process. The preferred precursor compositions of the present invention are preferably liquid at the vaporization temperature and, more preferably, are preferably liquid at room temperature.

The precursor compositions may be liquids or solids at room temperature (preferably, they are liquids at the vaporization temperature). Typically, they are liquids sufficiently volatile to be employed using known vapor deposition techniques. However, as solids they may also be sufficiently volatile that they can be vaporized or sublimed from the solid state using known vapor deposition techniques. If they are less volatile solids, they are preferably sufficiently soluble in an organic solvent or have melting points below their decomposition temperatures such that they can be used in flash vaporization, bubbling, microdroplet formation techniques, etc.

Herein, vaporized metal-containing compounds may be used either alone or optionally with vaporized molecules of other metal-containing compounds or optionally with vaporized solvent molecules or inert gas molecules, if used. As used herein, “liquid” refers to a solution or a neat liquid (a liquid at room temperature or a solid at room temperature that melts at an elevated temperature). As used herein, “solution” does not require complete solubility of the solid but may allow for some undissolved solid, as long as there is a sufficient amount of the solid delivered by the organic solvent into the vapor phase for chemical vapor deposition processing. If solvent dilution is used in deposition, the total molar concentration of solvent vapor generated may also be considered as a inert carrier gas.

“Inert gas” or “non-reactive gas,” as used herein, is any gas that is generally unreactive with the components it comes in contact with. For example, inert gases are typically selected from a group including nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, any other non-reactive gas, and mixtures thereof. Such inert gases are generally used in one or more purging processes described according to the present invention, and in some embodiments may also be used to assist in precursor vapor transport.

Solvents that are suitable for certain embodiments of the present invention may be one or more of the following: aliphatic hydrocarbons or unsaturated hydrocarbons (C3-C20, and preferably C5-C10, cyclic, branched, or linear), aromatic hydrocarbons (C5-C20, and preferably C5-C10), halogenated hydrocarbons, silylated hydrocarbons such as alkylsilanes, alkylsilicates, ethers, polyethers, thioethers, esters, lactones, nitrites, silicone oils, or compounds containing combinations of any of the above or mixtures of one or more of the above. The compounds are also generally compatible with each other, so that mixtures of variable quantities of the metal-containing compounds will not interact to significantly change their physical properties.

The precursor compositions of the present invention can, optionally, be vaporized and deposited/chemisorbed substantially simultaneously with, and in the presence of, one or more reaction gases. Alternatively, the metal-containing layers may be formed by alternately introducing the precursor composition and the reaction gas(es) during each deposition cycle. Such reaction gases may typically include oxygen, water vapor, ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen selenide, hydrogen telluride, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, organic amines, hydrazines (e.g., hydrazine, methylhydrazine, symmetrical and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazines), silanes, disilanes and higher silanes, diborane, plasma, air, borazene (nitrogen source), carbon monoxide (reductant), alcohols, and any combination of these gases. For example, oxygen-containing sources are typically used for the deposition of metal-oxide layers. Preferable optional reaction gases used in the formation of metal-oxide layers include oxidizing gases (e.g., oxygen, ozone, and nitric oxide).

Suitable substrate materials of the present invention include conductive materials, semiconductive materials, conductive metal-nitrides, conductive metals, conductive metal oxides, etc. The substrate on which the metal-containing layer is formed is preferably a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly. Any suitable semiconductor material is contemplated, such as for example, borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG), silicon such as, e.g., conductively doped polysilicon, monocrystalline silicon, etc. (for this invention, appropriate forms of silicon are simply referred to as “silicon”), for example in the form of a silicon wafer, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) oxide, spin on glass (i.e., a thin layer of SiO₂, optionally doped, deposited by a spin on process), TiN, TaN, W, Ru, Al, Cu, noble metals, etc. A substrate assembly may also contain a layer that includes platinum, iridium, iridium oxide, rhodium, ruthenium, ruthenium oxide, strontium ruthenate, lanthanum nickelate, titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, tantalum-silicon-nitride, silicon dioxide, aluminum, gallium arsenide, glass, etc., and other existing or to-be-developed materials used in semiconductor constructions, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, static random access memory (SRAM) devices, and ferroelectric memory (FERAM) devices, for example.

For substrates including semiconductor substrates or substrate assemblies, the layers can be formed directly on the lowest semiconductor surface of the substrate, or they can be formed on any of a variety of the layers (i.e., surfaces) as in a patterned wafer, for example.

Substrates other than semiconductor substrates or substrate assemblies can also be used in methods of the present invention. Any substrate that may advantageously form a metal-containing layer thereon, such as a metal oxide layer, may be used, such substrates including, for example, fibers, wires, etc.

The precursor compositions can be vaporized in the presence of an inert carrier gas if desired. Additionally, an inert carrier gas can be used in purging steps in an ALD process (discussed below). The inert carrier gas is typically one or more of nitrogen, helium, argon, etc. In the context of the present invention, an inert carrier gas is one that does not interfere with the formation of the metal-containing layer. Whether done in the presence of a inert carrier gas or not, the vaporization is preferably done in the absence of oxygen to avoid oxygen contamination of the layer (e.g., oxidation of silicon to form silicon dioxide or oxidation of precursor in the vapor phase prior to entry into the deposition chamber).

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) are two vapor deposition processes often employed to form thin, continuous, uniform, metal-containing layers onto semiconductor substrates. Using either vapor deposition process, typically one or more precursor compositions are vaporized in a deposition chamber and optionally combined with one or more reaction gases and directed to and/or contacted with the substrate to form a metal-containing layer on the substrate. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the vapor deposition process may be enhanced by employing various related techniques such as plasma assistance, photo assistance, laser assistance, as well as other techniques.

A typical CVD process may be carried out in a chemical vapor deposition reactor, such as a deposition chamber available under the trade designation of 7000 from Genus, Inc. (Sunnyvale, Calif.), a deposition chamber available under the trade designation of 5000 from Applied Materials, Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.), or a deposition chamber available under the trade designation of Prism from Novelus, Inc. (San Jose, Calif.). However, any deposition chamber suitable for performing CVD may be used.

Preferably, the vapor deposition process employed in the methods of the present invention is a multi-cycle atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. Such a process is advantageous, in particular advantageous over a CVD process, in that it provides for improved control of atomic-level thickness and uniformity to the deposited layer (e.g., dielectric layer) by providing a plurality of self-limiting deposition cycles. The self-limiting nature of ALD provides a method of depositing a film on any suitable reactive surface including, for example, surfaces with irregular topographies, with better step coverage than is available with CVD or other “line of sight” deposition methods (e.g., evaporation and physical vapor deposition, i.e., PVD or sputtering). Further, ALD processes typically expose the metal-containing compounds to lower volatilization and reaction temperatures, which tends to decrease degradation of the precursor as compared to, for example, typical CVD processes.

Generally, in an ALD process each reactant is pulsed sequentially onto a suitable substrate, typically at deposition temperatures of at least 25° C., preferably at least 150° C., and more preferably at least 200° C. Typical ALD deposition temperatures are no greater than 400° C., preferably no greater than 350° C., and even more preferably no greater than 250° C. These temperatures are generally lower than those presently used in CVD processes, which typically include deposition temperatures at the substrate surface of at least 150° C., preferably at least 200° C., and more preferably at least 250° C. Typical CVD deposition temperatures are no greater than 600° C., preferably no greater than 500° C., and even more preferably no greater than 400° C.

Under such conditions the film growth by ALD is typically self-limiting (i.e., when the reactive sites on a surface are used up in an ALD process, the deposition generally stops), insuring not only excellent conformality but also good large area uniformity plus simple and accurate composition and thickness control. Due to alternate dosing of the precursor compositions and/or reaction gases, detrimental vapor-phase reactions are inherently eliminated, in contrast to the CVD process that is carried out by continuous co-reaction of the precursors and/or reaction gases. (See Vehkamäki et al, “Growth of SrTiO₃ and BaTiO₃ Thin Films by Atomic Layer Deposition,” Electrochemical and Solid-State Letters, 2(10):504-506 (1999)).

A typical ALD process includes exposing a substrate (which may optionally be pretreated with, for example, water and/or ozone) to a first chemical to accomplish chemisorption of the species onto the substrate. The term “chemisorption” as used herein refers to the chemical adsorption of vaporized reactive metal-containing compounds on the surface of a substrate. The adsorbed species are typically irreversibly bound to the substrate surface as a result of relatively strong binding forces characterized by high adsorption energies (e.g., >30 kcal/mol), comparable in strength to ordinary chemical bonds. The chemisorbed species typically form a monolayer on the substrate surface. (See “The Condensed Chemical Dictionary”, 10th edition, revised by G. G. Hawley, published by Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York, 225 (1981)). The technique of ALD is based on the principle of the formation of a saturated monolayer of reactive precursor molecules by chemisorption. In ALD one or more appropriate precursor compositions or reaction gases are alternately introduced (e.g., pulsed) into a deposition chamber and chemisorbed onto the surfaces of a substrate. Each sequential introduction of a reactive compound (e.g., one or more precursor compositions and one or more reaction gases) is typically separated by an inert carrier gas purge. Each precursor composition co-reaction adds a new atomic layer to previously deposited layers to form a cumulative solid layer. The cycle is repeated to gradually form the desired layer thickness. It should be understood that ALD can alternately utilize one precursor composition, which is chemisorbed, and one reaction gas, which reacts with the chemisorbed species.

Practically, chemisorption might not occur on all portions of the deposition surface (e.g., previously deposited ALD material). Nevertheless, such imperfect monolayer is still considered a monolayer in the context of the present invention. In many applications, merely a substantially saturated monolayer may be suitable. In one aspect, a substantially saturated monolayer is one that will still yield a deposited monolayer or less of material exhibiting the desired quality and/or properties. In another aspect, a substantially saturated monolayer is one that is self-limited to further reaction with precursor.

A typical ALD process includes exposing an initial substrate to a first chemical species A (e.g., a metal-containing compound as described herein) to accomplish chemisorption of the species onto the substrate. Species A can react either with the substrate surface or with Species B (described below), but not with itself. Typically in chemisorption, one or more of the ligands of Species A is displaced by reactive groups on the substrate surface. Theoretically, the chemisorption forms a monolayer that is uniformly one atom or molecule thick on the entire exposed initial substrate, the monolayer being composed of Species A, less any displaced ligands. In other words, a saturated monolayer is substantially formed on the substrate surface. Practically, chemisorption may not occur on all portions of the substrate. Nevertheless, such a partial monolayer is still understood to be a monolayer in the context of the present invention. In many applications, merely a substantially saturated monolayer may be suitable. A substantially saturated monolayer is one that will still yield a deposited layer exhibiting the quality and/or properties desired for such layer.

The first species (e.g., substantially all non-chemisorbed molecules of Species A) as well as displaced ligands are purged from over the substrate and a second chemical species, Species B (e.g., a different metal-containing compound or reactant gas) is provided to react with the monolayer of Species A. Species B typically displaces the remaining ligands from the Species A monolayer and thereby is chemisorbed and forms a second monolayer. This second monolayer displays a surface which is reactive only to Species A. Non-chemisorbed Species B, as well as displaced ligands and other byproducts of the reaction are then purged and the steps are repeated with exposure of the Species B monolayer to vaporized Species A. Optionally, the second species can react with the first species, but not chemisorb additional material thereto. That is, the second species can cleave some portion of the chemisorbed first species, altering such monolayer without forming another monolayer thereon, but leaving reactive sites available for formation of subsequent monolayers. In other ALD processes, a third species or more may be successively chemisorbed (or reacted) and purged just as described for the first and second species, with the understanding that each introduced species reacts with the monolayer produced immediately prior to its introduction. Optionally, the second species (or third or subsequent) can include at least one reaction gas if desired.

Thus, the use of ALD provides the ability to improve the control of thickness, composition, and uniformity of metal-containing layers on a substrate. For example, depositing thin layers of metal-containing compound in a plurality of cycles provides a more accurate control of ultimate film thickness. This is particularly advantageous when the precursor composition is directed to the substrate and allowed to chemisorb thereon, preferably further including at least one reaction gas that reacts with the chemisorbed species on the substrate, and even more preferably wherein this cycle is repeated at least once.

Purging of excess vapor of each species following deposition/chemisorption onto a substrate may involve a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, contacting the substrate and/or monolayer with an inert carrier gas and/or lowering pressure to below the deposition pressure to reduce the concentration of a species contacting the substrate and/or chemisorbed species. Examples of carrier gases, as discussed above, may include N₂, Ar, He, etc. Additionally, purging may instead include contacting the substrate and/or monolayer with any substance that allows chemisorption by-products to desorb and reduces the concentration of a contacting species preparatory to introducing another species. The contacting species may be reduced to some suitable concentration or partial pressure known to those skilled in the art based on the specifications for the product of a particular deposition process.

ALD is often described as a self-limiting process, in that a finite number of sites exist on a substrate to which the first species may form chemical bonds. The second species might only react with the surface created from the chemisorption of the first species and thus, may also be self-limiting. Once all of the finite number of sites on a substrate are bonded with a first species, the first species will not bond to other of the first species already bonded with the substrate. However, process conditions can be varied in ALD to promote such bonding and render ALD not self-limiting, e.g., more like pulsed CVD. Accordingly, ALD may also encompass a species forming other than one monolayer at a time by stacking of a species, forming a layer more than one atom or molecule thick.

The described method indicates the “substantial absence” of the second precursor (i.e., second species) during chemisorption of the first precursor since insignificant amounts of the second precursor might be present. According to the knowledge and the preferences of those with ordinary skill in the art, a determination can be made as to the tolerable amount of second precursor and process conditions selected to achieve the substantial absence of the second precursor.

Thus, during the ALD process, numerous consecutive deposition cycles are conducted in the deposition chamber, each cycle depositing a very thin metal-containing layer (usually less than one monolayer such that the growth rate on average is 0.2 to 3.0 Angstroms per cycle), until a layer of the desired thickness is built up on the substrate of interest. The layer deposition is accomplished by alternately introducing (i.e., by pulsing) precursor composition(s) into the deposition chamber containing a substrate, chemisorbing the precursor composition(s) as a monolayer onto the substrate surfaces, purging the deposition chamber, then introducing to the chemisorbed precursor composition(s) reaction gases and/or other precursor composition(s) in a plurality of deposition cycles until the desired thickness of the metal-containing layer is achieved. Preferred thicknesses of the metal-containing layers of the present invention are at least 1 angstrom (Å), more preferably at least 5 Å, and more preferably at least 10 Å. Additionally, preferred film thicknesses are typically no greater than 500 Å, more preferably no greater than 400 Å, and more preferably no greater than 300 Å.

The pulse duration of precursor composition(s) and inert carrier gas(es) is generally of a duration sufficient to saturate the substrate surface. Typically, the pulse duration is at least 0.1, preferably at least 0.2 second, and more preferably at least 0.5 second. Preferred pulse durations are generally no greater than 5 seconds, and preferably no greater than 3 seconds.

In comparison to the predominantly thermally driven CVD, ALD is predominantly chemically driven. Thus, ALD may advantageously be conducted at much lower temperatures than CVD. During the ALD process, the substrate temperature may be maintained at a temperature sufficiently low to maintain intact bonds between the chemisorbed precursor composition(s) and the underlying substrate surface and to prevent decomposition of the precursor composition(s). The temperature, on the other hand, must be sufficiently high to avoid condensation of the precursor composition(s). Typically the substrate is kept at a temperature of at least 25° C., preferably at least 150° C., and more preferably at least 200° C. Typically the substrate is kept at a temperature of no greater than 400° C., preferably no greater than 300° C., and more preferably no greater than 250° C., which, as discussed above, is generally lower than temperatures presently used in typical CVD processes. Thus, the first species or precursor composition is chemisorbed at this temperature. Surface reaction of the second species or precursor composition can occur at substantially the same temperature as chemisorption of the first precursor or, optionally but less preferably, at a substantially different temperature. Clearly, some small variation in temperature, as judged by those of ordinary skill, can occur but still be considered substantially the same temperature by providing a reaction rate statistically the same as would occur at the temperature of the first precursor chemisorption. Alternatively, chemisorption and subsequent reactions could instead occur at substantially exactly the same temperature.

For a typical vapor deposition process, the pressure inside the deposition chamber is at least 10⁻⁸ torr (1.3×10⁻⁶ Pa), preferably at least 10⁻⁷ torr (1.3×10⁻⁵ Pa), and more preferably at least 10⁻⁶ torr (1.3×10⁻⁴ Pa). Further, deposition pressures are typically no greater than 10 torr (1.3×10³ Pa), preferably no greater than 1 torr (1.3×10² Pa), and more preferably no greater than 10⁻¹ torr (13 Pa). Typically, the deposition chamber is purged with an inert carrier gas after the vaporized precursor composition(s) have been introduced into the chamber and/or reacted for each cycle. The inert carrier gas/gases can also be introduced with the vaporized precursor composition(s) during each cycle.

The reactivity of a precursor composition can significantly influence the process parameters in ALD. Under typical CVD process conditions, a highly reactive compound may react in the gas phase generating particulates, depositing prematurely on undesired surfaces, producing poor films, and/or yielding poor step coverage or otherwise yielding non-uniform deposition. For at least such reason, a highly reactive compound might be considered not suitable for CVD. However, some compounds not suitable for CVD are superior ALD precursors. For example, if the first precursor is gas phase reactive with the second precursor, such a combination of compounds might not be suitable for CVD, although they could be used in ALD. In the CVD context, concern might also exist regarding sticking coefficients and surface mobility, as known to those skilled in the art, when using highly gas-phase reactive precursors, however, little or no such concern would exist in the ALD context.

After layer formation on the substrate, an annealing process may be optionally performed in situ in the deposition chamber in a reducing, inert, plasma, or oxidizing atmosphere. Preferably, the annealing temperature is at least 400° C., more preferably at least 600° C. The annealing temperature is preferably no greater than 1000° C., more preferably no greater than 750° C., and even more preferably no greater than 700° C.

The annealing operation is preferably performed for a time period of at least 0.5 minute, more preferably for a time period of at least 1 minute. Additionally, the annealing operation is preferably performed for a time period of no greater than 60 minutes, and more preferably for a time period of no greater than 10 minutes.

One skilled in the art will recognize that such temperatures and time periods may vary. For example, furnace anneals and rapid thermal annealing may be used, and further, such anneals may be performed in one or more annealing steps.

As stated above, the use of the compounds and methods of forming films of the present invention are beneficial for a wide variety of thin film applications in semiconductor structures, particularly those using high dielectric materials. For example, such applications include gate dielectrics and capacitors such as planar cells, trench cells (e.g., double sidewall trench capacitors), stacked cells (e.g., crown, V-cell, delta cell, multi-fingered, or cylindrical container stacked capacitors), as well as field effect transistor devices.

A system that can be used to perform an atomic layer deposition processes of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The system includes an enclosed vapor deposition chamber 10, in which a vacuum may be created using turbo pump 12 and backing pump 14. One or more substrates 16 (e.g., semiconductor substrates or substrate assemblies) are positioned in chamber 10. A constant nominal temperature is established for substrate 16, which can vary depending on the process used. Substrate 16 may be heated, for example, by an electrical resistance heater 18 on which substrate 16 is mounted. Other known methods of heating the substrate may also be utilized.

In this process, precursor composition(s) as described herein, 60 and/or 61, are stored in vessels 62. The precursor composition(s) are vaporized and separately fed along lines 64 and 66 to the deposition chamber 10 using, for example, an inert carrier gas 68. A reaction gas 70 may be supplied along line 72 as needed. Also, a purge gas 74, which is often the same as the inert carrier gas 68, may be supplied along line 76 as needed. As shown, a series of valves 80-85 are opened and closed as required.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the ALD formation of metal-containing layers of the present invention as used in an exemplary capacitor construction. Referring to FIG. 2, capacitor construction 200 includes substrate 210 having conductive diffusion area 215 formed therein. Substrate 210 can include, for example, silicon. An insulating layer 260, such as BPSG, is provided over substrate 210, with contact opening 280 provided therein to diffusion area 215. Conductive material 290 fills contact opening 280, and may include, for example, tungsten or conductively doped polysilicon. Capacitor construction 200 includes a first capacitor electrode (a bottom electrode) 220, a dielectric layer 240 which may be formed by methods of the present invention, and a second capacitor electrode (a top electrode) 250.

It is to be understood that FIG. 2 is an exemplary construction, and methods of the invention can be useful for forming layers on any substrate, preferably on semiconductor structures, and that such applications include capacitors such as planar cells, trench cells, (e.g., double sidewall trench capacitors), stacked cells (e.g., crown, V-cell, delta cell, multi-fingered, or cylindrical container stacked capacitors), as well as field effect transistor devices.

Furthermore, a diffusion barrier layer may optionally be formed over the dielectric layer 240, and may, for example, include TiN, TaN, metal silicide, or metal silicide-nitride. While the diffusion barrier layer is described as a distinct layer, it is to be understood that the barrier layers may include conductive materials and can accordingly, in such embodiments, be understood to include at least a portion of the capacitor electrodes. In certain embodiments that include a diffusion barrier layer, an entirety of a capacitor electrode can include conductive barrier layer materials.

The following examples are offered to further illustrate various specific embodiments and techniques of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that many variations and modifications understood by those of ordinary skill in the art may be made while remaining within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited by the following example. Unless specified otherwise, all percentages shown in the examples are percentages by weight.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Atomic Layer Deposition of a Metal-Containing Compound of Formula I (M=Sr (n=2); R¹═R⁵=tert-butyl; R²═R⁴=methyl; R³═H; x=2; and z=0) to Form a Strontium Oxide Layer

A strontium oxide layer was deposited on bare silicon by ALD using alternate pulses of the above-described strontium-containing compound (127° C. bubbler temperature; 154° C. bubbler line temperature) and ozone (O₃: 100 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm) at 11% in oxygen) at a substrate temperature of 205° C. and a pressure of 10⁻⁴ Torr (1.3×10⁻² Pa). Each cycle included a 2 second strontium precursor dose, a 30 second pump down, a 1 second ozone dose, and a 60 second pump down. The film was deposited using 218 cycles, resulting in an approximately 250 Å thick strontium oxide layer.

Example 2 Atomic Layer Deposition of a Metal-Containing Compound of Formula I (M=Sr (n=2); R¹═R⁵=tert-butyl; R²═R⁴=methyl; R³═H; x=2; and z=0) to Form a Strontium Titanate Layer

A strontium titanate layer was deposited on a physical vapor deposited (PVD or sputtered) Pt substrate by ALD using alternate pulses of water (ambient bubbler temperature; 50° C. bubbler line temperature), tetrakis titanium isopropoxide (60° C. bubbler temperature; 112° C. bubbler line temperature), ozone (O₃: 100 sccm at 11% in oxygen), and the above-described strontium-containing compound (bubbler temperature of 127° C.; bubbler line temperature of 137° C.) at a substrate temperature of 200° C. and a pressure of 10⁻⁴ Torr (1.3×10⁻² Pa). Each titanium sequence included a 0.5 second water dose, a 15 second pump down, a 1 second titanium precursor dose, and a 15 second pump down. Each strontium sequence included a 5 second ozone dose, a 30 second pump down, a 2 second strontium precursor dose, and a 30 second pump down. Each cycle included 2 titanium sequences and 1 strontium sequence. The film was deposited using 250 cycles, resulting in an approximately 250 Å thick strontium titanate layer.

Example 3 Atomic Layer Deposition of a Metal-Containing Compound of Formula I (M=Sr (n=2); R¹═R⁵=isopropyl; R²═R⁴=methyl; R³═H; x=2; and z=0) to Form a Strontium Titanate Layer

A strontium titanate layer was deposited on a PVD Pt substrate by ALD using alternate pulses of ozone (O₃: 450 sccm at 11% in oxygen), tetrakis titanium isopropoxide (60° C. bubbler temperature; 110° C. bubbler line temperature), ozone (O₃: 450 sccm at 11% in oxygen), and the above-described strontium-containing compound (bubbler temperature of 105° C.; bubbler line temperature of 123° C.) at a substrate temperature of 208° C. and a pressure of 10⁻⁴ Torr (1.3×10⁻² Pa). Each titanium sequence included a 5 second ozone dose, a 30 second pump down, a 1 second titanium precursor dose, and a 15 second pump down. Each strontium sequence included a 5 second ozone dose, a 30 second pump down, a 2 second strontium precursor dose, and a 30 second pump down. Each cycle included 1 titanium sequence and 2 strontium sequences. The film was deposited using 100 cycles, resulting in an approximately 50 Å thick strontium titanate layer that was analyzed to contain approximately 29% Sr and 12% Ti.

Example 4 Atomic Layer Deposition of a Metal-Containing Compound of Formula I (M=Sr (n=2); R¹═R⁵=isopropyl; R²═R⁴=methyl; R³═H; x=2; and z=0) to Form a Strontium Titanate Layer

A strontium titanate layer was deposited on a PVD Pt substrate by ALD using alternate pulses of ozone (O₃: 450 sccm at 11% in oxygen), tetrakis titanium isopropoxide (60° C. bubbler temperature; 110° C. bubbler line temperature), ozone (O₃: 450 sccm at 11% in oxygen), and the above-described strontium-containing compound (bubbler temperature of 105° C.; bubbler line temperature of 137° C.) at a substrate temperature of 212-215° C. and a pressure of 10⁻⁴ Torr (1.3×10⁻² Pa). Each titanium sequence included a 5 second ozone dose, a 30 second pump down, a 1 second titanium precursor dose, and a 15 second pump down. Each strontium sequence included a 5 second ozone dose, a 30 second pump down, a 2 second strontium precursor dose, and a 30 second pump down. Each cycle included 2 titanium sequences and 1 strontium sequence. The film was deposited using 250 cycles, resulting in an approximately 100 Å thick strontium titanate layer that was analyzed to contain approximately 19% Sr and 21% Ti.

Example 5 Atomic Layer Deposition of a Metal-Containing Compound of Formula I (M=Sr (n=2); R¹═R⁵=tert-butyl; R²═R⁴=methyl; R³═H; x=2; and z=0) to Form a Strontium Titanate Layer

A strontium titanate layer was deposited on a PVD Pt substrate by ALD using alternate pulses of ozone (O₃: 450 sccm at 11% in oxygen), tetrakis titanium isopropoxide (60° C. bubbler temperature; 90° C. bubbler line temperature), ozone (O₃: 450 sccm at 11% in oxygen), and the above-described strontium-containing compound (bubbler temperature of 136° C.; bubbler line temperature of 153° C.) at a substrate temperature of 200° C. and a pressure of 10⁻⁴ Torr (1.3×10⁻² Pa). Each titanium sequence included a 5 second ozone dose, a 30 second pump down, a 1 second titanium precursor dose, and a 15 second pump down. Each strontium sequence included a 5 second ozone dose, a 30 second pump down, a 2 second strontium precursor dose, and a 30 second pump down. Each cycle included 2 titanium sequences and 1 strontium sequence. The film was deposited using 250 cycles, resulting in an approximately 200 Å thick strontium titanate layer that was analyzed to contain approximately 21% Sr and 19% Ti.

Example 6 Atomic Layer Deposition of a Metal-Containing Compound of Formula I (M=Sr (n=2); R¹═R⁵=tert-butyl; R²═R⁴=methyl; R³═H; x=2; and z=0) to Form a Strontium Titanate Layer

A strontium titanate layer was deposited on a PVD Pt substrate by ALD using alternate pulses of ozone (O₃: 450 sccm at 11% in oxygen), tetrakis titanium isopropoxide (60° C. bubbler temperature; 95° C. bubbler line temperature), ozone (O₃: 450 sccm at 11% in oxygen), and the above-described strontium-containing compound (bubbler temperature of 136° C.; bubbler line temperature of 151° C.) at a substrate temperature of 220° C. and a pressure of 10⁻⁴ Torr (1.3×10⁻² Pa). Each titanium sequence included a 5 second ozone dose, a 30 second pump down, a 1 second titanium precursor dose, and a 15 second pump down. Each strontium sequence included a 5 second ozone dose, a 30 second pump down, a 2 second strontium precursor dose, and a 30 second pump down. Each cycle included 1 titanium sequence and 1 strontium sequence. The film was deposited using 300 cycles, resulting in an approximately 200 Å thick strontium titanate layer that was analyzed to contain approximately 29% Sr and 12% Ti.

The complete disclosures of the patents, patent documents, and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated. Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. It should be understood that this invention is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments and examples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments are presented by way of example only with the scope of the invention intended to be limited only by the claims set forth herein as follows. 

1. A method of forming a metal-containing layer on a substrate, the method comprising: providing a substrate; providing a vapor comprising at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein: M is selected from the group consisting of a Group 2 metal, a Group 3 metal, a Lanthanide, and combinations thereof; each L is independently an anionic ligand; each Y is independently a neutral ligand; n represents the valence state of the metal; z is from 0 to 10; x is from 1 to n; and each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group; providing at least one reaction gas; and contacting the vapor comprising the at least one compound of Formula I with the substrate to form a metal-containing layer on at least one surface of the substrate using an atomic layer deposition process comprising a plurality of deposition cycles.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group having 1-10 carbon atoms.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein R¹═R⁵, and R²═R⁴.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein R¹═R⁵=isopropyl.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein R¹═R⁵=tert-butyl.
 6. The method of claim 3 wherein R²═R⁴=methyl, and R³═H.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein R¹═R⁵=isopropyl.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein R¹═R⁵=tert-butyl.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the following apply: R¹ is different than R⁵, or R² is different than R⁴.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein R¹=isopropyl, and R⁵=tert-butyl.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein R²═R⁴=methyl, and R³═H.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein R¹=isopropyl, and R⁵=tert-butyl.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one L is independently selected from the group consisting of a halide, an alkoxide group, an amide group, a mercaptide group, cyanide, an alkyl group, an amidinate group, a guanidinate group, an isoureate group, a β-diketonate group, a β-iminoketonate group, a β-diketiminate group, and combinations thereof.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one L is a β-diketiminate group having a structure that is the same as that of the β-diketiminate ligand shown in Formula I.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one L is a β-diketiminate group having a structure that is different than that of the β-diketiminate ligand shown in Formula I.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one Y is selected from the group consisting of a carbonyl, a nitrosyl, ammonia, an amine, nitrogen, a phosphine, an alcohol, water, tetrahydrofuran, and combinations thereof.
 17. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one reaction gas is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, water vapor, ozone, alcohols, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen selenide, hydrogen telluride, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, organic amine, silane, disilane, higher silanes, diborane, plasma, air, and combinations thereof.
 18. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a vapor comprising at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I, and contacting the vapor comprising the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I with the substrate.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the metal of the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ta, Bi, Hf, Zr, Pb, Nb, Mg, Al, and combinations thereof.
 20. The method of claim 1 wherein the metal-containing layer is selected from the group consisting of BaTiO₃, SrTiO₃, CaTiO₃, (Ba,Sr)TiO₃, SrTa₂O₆, SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ (SBT), SrHfO₃, SrZrO₃, BaHfO₃, BaZrO₃, (Pb,Ba)Nb₂O₆, (Sr,Ba)Nb₂O₆, Pb[(Sc,Nb)_(0.575)TiO_(0.425)]O₃ (PSNT), La₂O₃, Y₂O₃, LaAlO₃, YAlO₃, Pr₂O₃, Ba(Li,Nb)_(1/4)O₃—PbTiO₃, Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)TiO₃—MgO, and combinations thereof.
 21. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure, the method comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly; providing a vapor comprising at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein: M is selected from the group consisting of a Group 2 metal, a Group 3 metal, a Lanthanide, and combinations thereof; each L is independently an anionic ligand; each Y is independently a neutral ligand; n represents the valence state of the metal; z is from 0 to 10; x is from 1 to n; and each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group; providing a vapor comprising at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I; and directing the vapor comprising the at least one compound of Formula I and the vapor comprising the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly to form a metal-containing layer on at least one surface of the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly using an atomic layer deposition process comprising a plurality of deposition cycles.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group having 1-10 carbon atoms.
 23. The method of claim 21 further comprising providing at least one reaction gas.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the at least one reaction gas is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, water vapor, ozone, alcohols, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen selenide, hydrogen telluride, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, organic amine, silane, disilane, higher silanes, diborane, plasma, air, and combinations thereof.
 25. The method of claim 23 wherein the at least one reaction gas is selected from the group consisting of ozone and oxygen.
 26. The method of claim 21 wherein the metal-containing layer is a metal oxide layer.
 27. The method of claim 21 wherein the metal-containing layer has a thickness of 1 Å to 500 Å.
 28. The method of claim 21 wherein the metal-containing layer is a dielectric layer.
 29. The method of claim 21 wherein the metal of the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ta, Bi, Hf, Zr, Pb, Nb, Mg, Al, and combinations thereof.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein the metal-containing layer is selected from the group consisting of BaTiO₃, SrTiO₃, CaTiO₃, (Ba,Sr)TiO₃, SrTa₂O₆, SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ (SBT), SrHfO₃, SrZrO₃, BaHfO₃, BaZrO₃, (Pb,Ba)Nb₂O₆, (Sr,Ba)Nb₂O₆, Ba(Li,Nb)_(1/4)O₃—PbTiO₃, Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)TiO₃—MgO, and combinations thereof.
 31. The method of claim 21 wherein during the atomic layer deposition process, the metal-containing layer is formed by alternately introducing the vapor comprising the at least one compound of Formula I and the vapor comprising the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I during each deposition cycle.
 32. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure, the method comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly within an atomic layer deposition chamber; providing a vapor comprising at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein: M is selected from the group consisting of a Group 2 metal, a Group 3 metal, a Lanthanide, and combinations thereof; each L is independently an anionic ligand; each Y is independently a neutral ligand; n represents the valence state of the metal; z is from 0 to 10; x is from 1 to n; and each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group; providing a vapor comprising at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I; directing the vapor comprising the at least one compound of Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly and allowing the at least one compound to chemisorb to at least one surface of the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly; and directing the vapor comprising the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly and allowing the at least one compound different than Formula I to chemisorb to at least one surface of the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly to form a metal-containing layer on at least one surface of the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly.
 33. The method of claim 32 wherein each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group having 1-10 carbon atoms.
 34. The method of claim 32 further comprising providing at least one reaction gas.
 35. The method of claim 32 wherein directing the vapor comprising the at least one compound of Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly, and directing the vapor comprising the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I to the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly, are repeated at least once.
 36. The method of claim 32 wherein the temperature of the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly is 25° C. to 400° C.
 37. The method of claim 32 wherein the atomic layer deposition chamber containing the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly has a pressure of 10⁻⁸ torr (1.3×10⁻⁶ Pa) to 10 torr (1.3×10³ Pa).
 38. The method of claim 32 further comprising purging excess vapor comprising the at least one compound of Formula I from the deposition chamber after chemisorption of the compound onto the semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein purging comprises purging with an inert gas.
 40. The method of claim 39 wherein the inert gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, helium, argon, and mixtures thereof.
 41. A method of manufacturing a memory device structure, the method comprising: providing a substrate having a first electrode thereon; providing a vapor comprising at least one compound of the formula (Formula I):

wherein: M is selected from the group consisting of a Group 2 metal, a Group 3 metal, a Lanthanide, and combinations thereof; each L is independently an anionic ligand; each Y is independently a neutral ligand; n represents the valence state of the metal; z is from 0 to 10; x is from 1 to n; and each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group; contacting the vapor comprising the at least one compound of Formula I with the substrate to chemisorb the compound on the first electrode of the substrate; providing at least one reaction gas; contacting the at least one reaction gas with the substrate having the chemisorbed compound thereon to form a dielectric layer on the first electrode of the substrate; and forming a second electrode on the dielectric layer.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently hydrogen or an organic group having 1-10 carbon atoms.
 43. The method of claim 41 wherein the vapor comprising the at least one compound of Formula I further comprises a nonreactive gas.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein the nonreactive gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, helium, argon, and mixtures thereof.
 45. The method of claim 41 further comprising providing a vapor comprising at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I, and contacting the vapor comprising the at least one metal-containing compound different than Formula I with the substrate. 